There was a thrilling finale to Group E at the World Cup in Qatar.

There were nine changes to the final table over the course of two hours and two matches, and all four teams — Japan, Spain, Germany and Costa Rica — occupied one of the two qualification spots at some stage.

Japan and Spain eventually went through after Japan came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium. There was also goal line drama…

Germany crashed out, despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica, who, at one stage, thought they had booked their place in the round of 16 at the expense of Spain.

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This is how it changed throughout the night.

How did Group E look before kick-off?

Japan 0-0 Spain
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany

1. Spain, GD +7, Pts 4
2. Japan, GD 0, Pts 3
3. Costa Rica, GD-6, Pts 3
4. Germany, GD -1, Pts 1

How did Group E change as the night unfolded?

10mins Gnabry goal
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany

1. Spain, GD +7, Pts 4
2. Germany, GD 0, Pts 4
3. Japan, GD 0, Pts 3
4. Costa Rica, GD-7, Pts 3

11mins Morata goal
Japan 0-1 Spain

1. Spain, GD +8, Pts 7
2. Germany, GD 0, Pts 4
3. Japan, GD -1, Pts 3
4. Costa Rica, GD-7, Pts 3

48mins Doan goal
Japan 1-1 Spain 

1. Spain, GD +7, Pts 5
2. Germany, GD 0, Pts 4
3. Japan, GD 0, Pts 4
4. Costa Rica, GD -7, Pts 3

51mins Tanaka goal
Japan 2-1 Spain

1. Japan, GD +1, Pts 6
2. Spain, GD +6, Pts 4
3. Germany, GD 0, Pts 4
4. Costa Rica, GD -7, Pts 3

58mins Tejeda goal
Costa Rica 1-1 Germany

1. Japan, GD +1, Pts 6
2. Spain, GD +6, Pts 4
3. Costa Rica, GD -6, Pts 4
4. Germany, GD -1, Pts 2

70mins Vargas goal
Costa Rica 2-1 Germany

1. Japan, GD +1, Pts 6
2. Costa Rica, GD -6, Pts 6
3. Spain, GD +6, Pts 4
4. Germany, GD -2, Pts 1

73mins Havertz goal
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany

1. Japan, GD +1, Pts 6
2. Spain, GD +6, Pts 4
3. Costa Rica, GD -7, Pts 4
4. Germany, GD -1, Pts 2

85mins Havertz
Costa Rica 2-3 Germany

1. Japan GD +1 Pts 6
2. Spain GD +6 Pts 4
3. Germany GD +1 Pts 4
4. Costa Rica GD-8 Pts 3

89mins Fullkrug
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany

1. Japan, GD +1, Pts 6
2. Spain, GD +6, Pts 4
3. Germany, GD +2, Pts 4
4. Costa Rica, GD -9, Pts 3

So what next?

Group winners Japan will now play Croatia, who finished second in Group F, on Monday afternoon at 15.00 GMT at the Al Janoub Stadium.

Spain will play Morocco, who won Group F, will play at the same time on Tuesday at the Education City Stadium.

Germany head home in the group stages for the second successive World Cup.

(Photo: Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)